The Fehmarn Link – Archaeological explorations

The virgin area in the wind farm east of
Rødbyhavn before the archaeological explorations began

Museum Lolland-Falster is conducting archaeological explorations
ahead of the establishment of the permanent link under the Fehmarn
Belt.

The construction of the permanent link under the Fehmarn Belt
gives Museum Lolland-Falster a unique opportunity to investigate a
large cultural landscape by Rødbyhavn on Lolland in order to
ascertain any traces after ancient monuments. At the beginning of
May 2012, Museum Lolland-Falster started the preliminary study of
the areas where the Danish land facility for the permanent link
will be located. The preliminary study may eventually prove to be
the greatest archaeological project in Danish history.

The many cubic metres of soil are gradually
beginning to fill up the landscape of the wind farm.

The preliminary study has revealed fossilised inlets and
headlands that were inhabited during both the Mesolithic and the
Neolithic period from ca. 6000 to 3000 BC. Well-preserved finds of
e.g. flint tools, fish fences, pointed poles from fish weirs,
ceramics, bone needles and animal bones show that during the Stone
Age, the coast had many snug little corners and good fishing
grounds.

The archaeological studies have gradually
revealed many fantastic and completely unique finds.

The preliminary exploration was completed at the end of June
2013, and the actual excavations began in late summer 2013. The
overall exploration strategy focuses on man's adaptation to the
climate and nature development during the period 6000 BC - 3000 BC,
the Neolithisation process (the transition from hunters to farmers)
and Lolland as a gateway to Europe.